The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Waking up to a dry land
With empty glasses in their hands
To the bone I see their call
A fate for one and all
Watch relief fall from the sky
Still resources running dry
[Chorus]
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
That the people going under
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
Tell me, who's gonna take the blame
How can we ease the pain
That the people going under
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
Tell me, who's gonna take the blame
I watched the children cry
No tears within their eyes hey
Then I ask the reason why
Life seems to be on the slide hey
Electing one with no feelings
Who's gonna pay for their tomorrow
[Chorus]
Hey woh sure like to know, woh
'Cause it's been so long
And it seems to me to be so wrong hey
Life is like a ball against the wall
A ball against the wall
If you throw love against the wall
It comes back to you
And if you throw hate against the wall
It's gonna follow you
So what we gonna do to ease the pain
How can we ease the pain
Tell me, what are we gonna do, to ease the pain yeah
Ease the pain
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
Got to fight the fight
With empty glasses in their hands
To the bone I see their call
A fate for one and all
Watch relief fall from the sky
Still resources running dry
[Chorus]
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
That the people going under
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
Tell me, who's gonna take the blame
How can we ease the pain
That the people going under
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
Tell me, who's gonna take the blame
I watched the children cry
No tears within their eyes hey
Then I ask the reason why
Life seems to be on the slide hey
Electing one with no feelings
Who's gonna pay for their tomorrow
[Chorus]
Hey woh sure like to know, woh
'Cause it's been so long
And it seems to me to be so wrong hey
Life is like a ball against the wall
A ball against the wall
If you throw love against the wall
It comes back to you
And if you throw hate against the wall
It's gonna follow you
So what we gonna do to ease the pain
How can we ease the pain
Tell me, what are we gonna do, to ease the pain yeah
Ease the pain
Tell me, how can we ease the pain
Got to fight the fight
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.